This study explored the genetics of cortisol (CL), cortisone (CN), DHEA (DH), and DHEA-S (DS) in hair of 610 pigs that were grown while they were exposed to infectious stressors (IS) from a natural polymicrobial disease challenge. Results were then contrasted with previous results on hair from these same pigs grown while experiencing noninfectious stressors (NIS), such as weaning, castration, transportation, and mixing. All pigs were genotyped for 50 K SNPs and imputed to 650 K SNPs. Heritability estimates for hormone levels in hair grown under IS ranged from 0.01 for DS to 0.27 for CL. Estimates of genetic correlations between levels of a hormone in hair grown in response to IS vs NIS were not significantly different from zero and were highest, at 0.52, for CL. Genome-wide association studies identified the same major QTL for CL in response to IS that was previously found for response to NIS, near the glucocorticoid receptor gene. The minor allele at the lead SNPs (frequency = 9%) significantly (P < 0.001) reduced CL under IS by 30 ± 4% and CN by 23 ± 6%, had no significant effect on DH or DS, and drove the genetic correlation between CL in hair grown under NIS vs IS. A comparative gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) approach revealed that genomic windows that were associated with active forms of the stress hormones (CL and DH) tended to explain more variance during response to IS than to NIS, while the opposite was true for their inactive forms (CN and DS). These results may facilitate the selection of pigs that cope better with IS and NIS using hormone levels in hair as a noninvasive sample.

A method for simultaneous analysis of urinary melatonin, cortisol, and their metabolites using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and relevance of biomonitoring of these hormones in circadian rhythm.

Development of a broad-spectrum one-step immunoassay for detection of glucocorticoids in milk using magnetosome-based immunomagnetic beads

Transport of prednisolone, cortisone, and triamcinolone acetonide in agricultural soils: Sorption isotherms, transport dynamics, and field-scale simulation

Fish health can be affected by a multitude of stressors. Acute and chronic stress assessment via specific hormones monitoring has become a trending research topic. Common investigated matrices are blood and plasma, but recently less invasive substrates have been identified. As chemical composition of skin mucus/epidermis has been demonstrated to link with acute stress, and of scales with chronic stress in fish, the aim of the study was firstly to improve the determination of three stress hormones, namely cortisol (COL), cortisone (CON), and dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulfate (DHEAS), in skin mucus/epidermis and scales of Aphanius fasciatus. Secondly, an evaluation of the impact of different environments on hormones concentrations was carried out. A liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry method (HPLC-MS/MS) and a preanalytical procedure were validated to determine COL, CON and DHEAS. This methodology was applied to compare a pull of field-collected fish with a pull of fish housed in the laboratory for one year. Our results highlighted a significant presence of cortisol and cortisone in epidermis of the latter pull (averagely 0.10 and 0.14 ng mg−1, respectively), while in the first pull both hormones were much less concentrated (averagely 0.006 and 0.008 ng mg−1, respectively). Scales of both pulls showed presence of hormones, with a higher concentration for fish housed in the laboratory, although a relevant difference in concentration was found only for cortisone. DHEAS was always below the limit of detection.

Cortisone-loaded stearoyl ascorbic acid based nanostructured lipid carriers alleviate inflammatory changes in DSS-induced colitis.

Effects of cadmium and lead co-exposure on glucocorticoid levels in rural residents of northwest China

Steroid analysis in clinical laboratories is dominated by immunoassays (IAs) that have a high sample turnover but are inherently limited in trueness, precision, and sensitivity. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has proved to be a far more capable tool, delivering better sensitivity, specificity, and the possibility of parallel analysis of multiple steroids and metabolites, providing the endocrinologist with more reliable and comprehensive diagnostic information. An LC-MS/MS assay with gradient elution over less than eight minutes and a one-step sample preparation combining protein precipitation with phospholipid removal of off-line solid-phase extraction was developed and validated. It allowed the quantification of 11-deoxycorticosterone (11-DOC), 11-deoxycortisol (11-DF), 17-OH-progesterone (17P), 21-deoxycortisol (21-DF), androstenedione (ANDRO), aldosterone (ALDO), corticosterone (CC), cortisol (CL), cortisone (CN), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), progesterone (PROG), and testosterone (TES) in human serum. Interday imprecision was generally better than 15%, trueness was proven by recovery experiments with ISO 17034-certified reference materials, proficiency testing (UK NEQAS), and measuring serum reference standards. In-house comparison against IVD-CE-certified immunoassays (IA) for 17P, ANDRO, CL, DHEAS, E2, PROG, and TES was conducted by assessing leftover routine patient samples and purpose-built patient serum pools. None of the compared routine IAs were meeting the standards of the LC-MS/MS. Insufficient overall comparability was found for ANDRO and 17P (mean bias > +65%). Accuracy limitations at lower concentrations were present in IAs for PROG, E2, and TES.

Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers based on eco-friendly deep eutectic solvent for recognition and extraction of three glucocorticoids in lotion

Treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) may include conservative management with use of intraarticular injections, prior to considering total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study was to assess trends in the use of preoperative cortisone (CO) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, as well as investigate the relationship between injection use and infection or revision arthroplasty following TSA. Pearl Driver was used to identify all patients undergoing TSA for GHOA between 2010 and 2018. Patients were categorized based on the type and number of injections they received. Outcomes of interest included post-operative opioid use, post-operative infection, and risk of revision surgery within 1 year of the index procedure. The incidence of patients receiving a CO or HA injections within 1 year of their TSA decreased by 83% and 54%, respectively. Patients who had received 1 or more steroid injections had higher odds of prolonged opiate use following surgery. Patients that received 1 or 2 CO injection prior to TSA had an increased risk of needing revision surgery. Use of intraarticular injections for the management of GHOA has declined. Patients receiving preoperative injections had increased odds of prolonged opiate use and the need for revision surgery.

The aim of this study was to compare physical and hormonal responses of seventeen elite rugby sevens players over a 6-week intense training block (IT) and a consecutive 2-week tapering period (TAP), using a fatigue cut-off score of 20 as a potential moderating variable. Training was monitored by daily training load (TL) and strain (TS) (using the session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) and also the weekly total score of fatigue (TSF; 8-item questionnaire tool). Testing and 24 h urinary cortisol (CL), cortisone (CN), adrenaline (AD) and noradrenalin (NAD) concentrations were also analysed before (T0) and after IT (T1) and after the TAP (T2). Players were assigned to group 1 with a TSF above 20 (G1 > 20, n = 9) and group 2 with a TSF below 20 (G2 < 20, n = 8) according to the French Society for Sports Medicine guidelines. TSF (effect size [ES] from 1.17 to 1.75), TL (ES from 0.81 to 1.06) and TS (ES from 1.23 to 1.40) were higher in G1 > 20 than in G2 < 20 over IT. Likewise, performance standards (ES from 1.58 to 2.61) and AD levels were lower (ES = 3.20), whereas CL and CL/CN ratio (ES from 1.60 to 3.47) were higher in G1 > 20 than in G2 < 20. After the TAP, TSF, TL and TS returned to baseline values for both groups, with an increase in performance standards and normalization in hormone levels. We suggest that a TSF greater than or equal to 20 could be considered as a fatigue threshold generating hormone disturbance and performance decrement, making it a potentially useful preventive and complementary training monitoring tool.

Development of a sensitive and rapid fluorescence polarization immunoassay for high throughput screening eight glucocorticoids in beef

The photodegradation of the most prescribed glucocorticoids (GCs) was studied under relevant environmental conditions in the presence of suspended TiO2. The considered drugs included cortisone (CORT), hydrocortisone (HCORT), betamethasone (BETA), dexamethasone (DEXA), prednisone (PRED), prednisolone (PREDLO), and triamcinolone (TRIAM). The experiments were carried out at concentrations (50 µg L−1) close to the real ones in freshwater samples (tap and river) under simulated and natural sunlight, and their decomposition took place very efficiently under natural sunlight. The reactions were monitored by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). According to a pseudo-first-order decay, all drugs underwent degradation within 15 min, following different paths with respect to the direct photolysis. The observed kinetic constants, slightly lower in river than in tap water, varied from 0.29 to 0.61 min−1 with modest differences among GCs in the same matrix. Among main matrix macro-constituents, humic acids (HAs) were the most interfering species involved in GCs degradation. The photogenerated primary products were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, allowing to elucidate the general photochemical path of GCs. Finally, a comparison with literature data obtained using different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) highlights the treatment efficiency with TiO2/solar light for removing such persistent aquatic contaminants.

The photodegradation process of seven glucocorticoids (GCs), cortisone (CORT), hydrocortisone (HCORT), betamethasone (BETA), dexamethasone (DEXA), prednisone (PRED), prednisolone (PREDLO) and triamcinolone (TRIAM) was studied in tap and river water at a concentration close to the environmental ones. All drugs underwent sunlight degradation according to a pseudo-first-order decay. The kinetic constants ranged from 0.00082 min−1 for CORT to 0.024 min−1 for PRED and PREDLO. The photo-generated products were identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The main steps of the degradation pathways were the oxidative cleavage of the chain 17 for CORT, HCORT and the rearrangement of the cyclohexadiene moiety for the other GCs. The acute and chronic toxicity of GCs and of their photoproducts was assessed by the V. fischeri and P. subcapitata inhibition assays. The bioassays revealed no significant differences in toxicity between the parent compounds and their photoproducts, but the two organisms showed different responses. All samples produced a moderate acute toxic effect on V. fisheri and no one in the chronic tests. On the contrary, evident hormesis or eutrophic effect was produced on the algae, especially for long-term contact.

Prednisolone (PL) is a standard component of most immunosuppressive protocols after solid organ transplantation (Tx). Adverse effects are frequent and well known. The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of PL and prednisone (PN), including cortisol (CL) and cortisone (CN) profiles, after PL treatment in renal Tx recipients in the early post-Tx phase. This single-center, prospective, observational study included stable renal Tx recipients, >18 years of age, and in the early postengraftment phase. Blood samples were obtained predose and during a 24-hour dose interval [n = 26 samples per area under the curve (AUC0-24)], within the first 8 weeks post-Tx. PL, PN, CL, and CN concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In renal Tx recipients (n = 28), our results indicated a relatively high PL exposure [median, range AUC0-24 = 3821 (2232-5382) mcg h/L], paralleled by strong suppression of endogenous CL profile, demonstrated by a low CL evening-to-morning ratio [median, range 11 (3-47)%]. A negative correlation (r = -0.83) between PL AUC0-24 and morning CL levels was observed. The best single PK variable to predict PL AUC0-24 was PL C6 (r2 = 0.82). An algorithm based on 3 PK sampling time points: trough, 2, and 4 hours after PL dosing, predicted PL AUC0-24 with a low percentage prediction error (PPE = 5.2 ± 1.5%) and a good correlation of determination (r2 = 0.91). PL AUC0-24 varied 3-fold among study participants, whereas CL AUC0-24 varied by 18-fold. The large interindividual variability in both PL exposure and suppression of endogenous CL implies a possible role for therapeutic drug monitoring. An abbreviated profile within the first 4 hours after PL dosing provides a good prediction of PL exposure in renal Tx recipients. The strong negative correlation between PL AUC0-24 and morning CL levels suggests a possible surrogate marker for drug exposure for further evaluation.

Objective To evaluate the effect of parecoxib combined with ropivacaine for incision infiltration on agitation during recovery from anesthesia in patients undergoing abdominal hepatectomy. Methods Forty patients of both sexes, aged 35-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-24 kg/m2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅠ or Ⅱ, undergoing elective partial hepatectomy, were divided into parecoxib sodium group (group P) and parecoxib sodium plus ropivacaine group (group RP) with 20 cases in each group. Parecoxib sodium 40 mg was intravenously injected at 30 min before operation in group P. Parecoxib sodium 40 mg was intravenously injected at 30 min before operation, and incision infiltration was performed with 0.5% ropivacaine 20 ml at the end of surgery in group RP.Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was performed at the end of surgery in both groups.The development of agitation, respiratory depression and nausea and vomiting was recorded within 30 min after operation.Blood samples were collected from the radial artery immediately before induction (T0), at the end of surgery (T1) and at removal of extubation (T2) for determination of plasma cortisone (Cor) concentrations (by radio-immunity method), plasma epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) concentrations (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and blood glucose (using a blood gas analyzer). Results Compared with the baseline at T0, the plasma concentrations of Cor, Glu, E and NE were significantly increased at T1, 2 in two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of agitation and plasma concentrations of Cor, Glu, E and NE were significantly lower at T1, 2 in group RP than in group P (P<0.05). No patients developed nausea and vomiting and respiratory depression in two groups. Conclusion Parecoxib combined with ropivacaine for incision infiltration can decrease the occurrence of agitation during recovery from anesthesia, which is related to inhibiting stress responses of patients undergoing abdominal hepatectomy. Key words: Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors; Amides; Anesthesia recovery period; Dysphoria

ObjectiveThis study was performed to investigate the effects of age and sex on 10 salivary steroid hormones and analyze the correlations between salivary and plasma hormones.MethodsThe concentrations of 10 salivary steroid hormones in 1090 Chinese adult volunteers were examined using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and a related investigation was performed on the concentrations of salivary hormones in this population.ResultsThe concentrations of androstenedione (A4), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), aldosterone (ALD), cortisone (COR), corticosterone (CORT), cortisol (F), progesterone (P), and testosterone were significantly different between men and women (Student’s t-test). Differences in 17-OHP and ALD concentrations were highly significant between women in the follicular and luteal phases of their menstrual cycle (Student’s t-test). Five salivary steroid hormones (17-OHP, A4, CORT, COR, and F) significantly decreased with increasing age (Kruskal–Wallis test). A high linear correlation between salivary and plasma 17-OHP, P, A4, and F were observed with obvious sex-related differences (Pearson’s correlation, r > 0.7).ConclusionsOur results provide important knowledge regarding the descriptive characteristics of salivary hormones in relation to age and sex and their correlations with plasma hormones.

Background Women’s awareness and perceptions about risk for osteoporosis must increase and should be the priority in the future through educational programs. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of educational intervention on the knowledge and perception of women at risk for osteoporosis. Patients and methods The study was conducted in the outpatient clinics (Antenatal Outpatient Clinic and Orthopedic Clinic) affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. The purposive sample included 60 women above 35 years of age. Three tools were used before educational intervention, after educational intervention, and after 8 weeks of educational intervention. First, an interviewing questionnaire sheet was used, which included three parts: part I, sociodemographic data and obstetric history; part II, predisposing factors of osteoporosis; and part III, women’s knowledge about osteoporosis. Second, a perception questionnaire sheet was used to measure the level of women’s health beliefs as regards osteoporosis. Third, women’s complaint tool was used to measure the studied women’s complaints of preclimacteric symptoms. Results In total, 83.3% of the studied women had dental problems and women with galactorrhea represented 15%; 10% of the studied women had a family history of hip fracture in the elderly. In total, 8.3% of the studied women had been using cortisone for more than 6 months and 3.3% were smokers and suffered from weight loss. There were statistically significant differences as regards their knowledge after application of program. Significant differences were detected as regards benefits of exercise and susceptibility to disease occurrence from 0% and 30% before intervention to 90% after intervention. However, there were percentage changes from 10 to 95% as regards seriousness of disease development and benefits of Ca+ intake. Moreover, there were changes in health motivation from 20 to 100%. There was improvement as regards psychological symptoms and miscellaneous complaints. There were correlations among total knowledge, perception, and their complaints. Conclusion The current study supports the first hypothesis by significantly improving the level of the studied women’s knowledge and perception, and the second hypothesis. As regards women’s complaints of preclimacteric symptoms, the results revealed significantly decreasing psychological problems and miscellaneous complaints. Moreover, there was a positive correlation among knowledge, perception, and their complaints as regards osteoporosis. Recommendations Illustrated booklet about osteoporosis must be available in outpatient clinics and brochures on phytoestrogen-rich diet should be available for each woman.

Steroid bioaccumulation profiles in typical freshwater aquaculture environments of South China and their human health risks via fish consumption

Objective To analyse the efficacy of double probe lacrimal stent intubation in treatment of traumatic lacrimal duct obstruction after laser recanalization. Methods During 2008 December to 2015 March, 105 eyes of 105 cases with traumatic lacrimal duct obstruction were collected.They were randomly divided into treatment group of 55 cases and control group of 50 cases. The treatment group received double probe lacrimal stent intubation after Nd: YAG laser recanalization, the control group underwent the laser recanalization only and application of lacrimal bolus Cortisone Ttracycline Ointment. Results All patients were followed up more than 6 months. Forty-nine cases (89.1%) were cured in the treatment group; in the control group 31 cases (62.0%) were cured. The difference in cure rate between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=10.60, P=0.03). Complications: In treatment group, 5 cases of local swelling, bleeding occurred in 3 cases, 3 cases of pain and 1 cases of lacrimal stant extrusion; in control group local swelling occurred in 7 cases, 2 cases of hemorrhage and 1 cases of inflammatory subcutaneous induration. There was no statistically significant difference in complication (χ2=0.04, P=0.04). Conclusion The double probe lacrimal stent intubation can improve the success rate of traumatic lacrimal duct obstruction after Nd: YAG laser recanalization. The operation is convenient, with less complications. Key words: Lacrimal duct obstruction, traumatic; Recanalization, lacrimal duct, laser; Double probe lacrimal stent